Topical Bible: The Bow: Usually of Steel

◄ The Bow: Usually of Steel ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the bow was a significant weapon of warfare and hunting, often symbolizing strength, power, and divine judgment. The term "bow" appears numerous times throughout the Scriptures, and while the materials used for bows varied, there is a notable reference to bows made of steel, indicating a superior strength and durability.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 22:35 : "He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze." This verse, part of David's song of deliverance, highlights the strength and skill given by God to bend a bow of bronze, which is often interpreted as a bow of steel. The imagery suggests divine empowerment, enabling the psalmist to wield a weapon of formidable strength.

2. Job 20:24 : "Though he flees from an iron weapon, a bronze-tipped arrow will pierce him." Here, the mention of a bronze-tipped arrow complements the idea of a bow made of strong materials, such as steel or bronze, emphasizing the inevitability of divine justice and the futility of escaping God's judgment.

3. Psalm 18:34 : "He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze." This psalm, echoing 2 Samuel 22:35, reiterates the theme of divine empowerment and the ability to handle a bow of great strength, symbolizing God's provision of might and protection to His faithful.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In the biblical context, the bow, particularly one made of steel or bronze, symbolizes not only physical strength but also spiritual fortitude. The ability to bend such a bow is often attributed to divine assistance, underscoring the belief that true strength comes from God. This imagery is used to convey the idea that with God's help, believers can overcome formidable challenges and adversaries.

The bow also serves as a metaphor for God's judgment and power. In prophetic literature, the bow is sometimes depicted as an instrument of divine wrath, used to execute judgment upon nations and individuals who oppose God's will. This is seen in passages where God is portrayed as a warrior, wielding a bow against His enemies.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the bow was a common weapon used by warriors and hunters. Bows made of steel or bronze would have been highly prized for their durability and effectiveness in battle. The mention of such bows in the Bible reflects the historical reality of their use and the symbolic weight they carried in conveying messages of strength and divine intervention.

The use of the bow in biblical narratives often serves to illustrate the broader themes of reliance on God's strength, the futility of opposing His will, and the assurance of His protection for those who trust in Him. As such, the bow, especially one of steel, remains a powerful symbol within the biblical tradition.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 22:35
He teaches my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by my arms.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 20:24
He shall flee from the iron weapon, and the bow of steel shall strike him through.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Northern Iron and the Steel
... ministry, and to let me know it, he usually makes me ... not contend against the northern
iron and the steel, for these ... He hath broken the bow and cut the spear in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the northern iron and the.htm

Early Days
... like hinds' feet," the sinewy arms which "broke a bow of steel," the precision ... of
the present, would add self-control and patience, not usually the graces ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ii early days.htm

'According To' --I.
... it by the exhibition of that steel medicine"it ... it may mean, perhaps, that which we
usually attach to ... I smitten, in vain have I loved.' Bow, accept, recognise ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/according toi.htm

The Greek Kings of Egypt.
... was to fit an arrow to his bow-string, and ... was to have a loadstone arch, with a steel
statue of ... terribly all through these wars, which were usually fought out ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xvi the greek kings.htm

The Cry of the Heathen
... Men usually dream of that which is most upon their minds. ... We need something more
potent than steel to carve out ... and consciences and hearts are to bow before him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the cry of the heathen.htm

The Holy Spirit's Intercession
... It is not merely that our judgment leads us in that direction, though usually the
Spirit of God acts upon us by enlightening ... Sometimes a bow of steel is not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/the holy spirits intercession.htm

A Little Sanctuary
... The way by which a promise comes usually shines with a trail of light ... of the Pharisees
acted upon the Saviour like a steel to the ... See his hand, and bow before it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a little sanctuary.htm

God's Gentle Power
... "Eloquent sermons" usually seem to ... Oh! for an arrow from the great archer's bow to
go right into you, that ... What infernal power has helped you to steel your heart ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/gods gentle power.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... The wheels usually had six, but sometimes eight spokes, or ... loins: he went into battle
with bent bow, the string ... like Horus, and flesh his maiden steel on the ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Two Yokes
... It is usually one of their cardinal doctrines, that no ... knees so stubborn that they
will not bow, and blood ... their very souls and turned their hearts to steel. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the two yokes.htm